Holloway: 'We need the crowd'

The visitors, meanwhile, need four points from their final two matches to avoid relying on other results to keep them in the second tier.

QPR have failed to register a point from their last six games while Forest have picked up seven points during the same period.

Ian Holloway is under no illusions about how big Saturday’s game is, while an almost-packed house shows the R’s fans recognise the magnitude of the fixture as well.

“It’s all about being positive now – it’s all about sticking behind the boys,” Holloway told www.qpr.co.uk.

“We have to make sure that we beat Nottingham Forest. It’s in our hands and we can get this season over and done with this weekend.

“I don’t believe we’ll go down – but you have to earn that right in the Championship. Deep down, of course I wish we were safe already, but we’re not. However, regardless, I’m proud of how the team are sticking together – how they’re learning and the way that they’re working.

“Unfortunately, we’ve lost six in a row, but I’m not downhearted. The team I pick for Saturday will be well-drilled, they’ll be well-oiled and ready to go in order to beat Forest. That’s all that matters.”

Form

Holloway oversaw a stunning period of results – and performances – during February and March, with Rangers amassing 16 points from 7 games, making them the form team of the division. And the R’s gaffer admits the recent run has been hard to take.

“It has been tough, but that’s just the way it is,” he said. “We’ve got to get over the line. We need everybody behind us, because I believe we can solve all this ourselves.

“We haven’t got time to worry; we’ve got to get on with it. I’m convinced that these lads know where they’re going. It’s just about getting over the line. Deep down, things aren’t as bad as everybody thinks they are. If we get a result this weekend, it’s onwards and upwards – into next year.”

Atmosphere

Holloway has urged the fans to play their part on Saturday, adding: “The lads have lost a bit of confidence, and we need the crowd to help us.

“That’s all I’m asking – if you see the effort you demand, please keep on encouraging the players.

“If you don’t, you can hammer them and you can hammer me because that’s not right. But I’m telling you, they’ll be at it – and they won’t let you down.”

If you see the effort you demand, please keep on encouraging the players.